My wife and I are planning a trip to Croatia and want to spend a couple of nights on an island -- between our time in Dubrovnik and our time in Split. We've considered several islands, such as Korcula, Hvar, Brac, Vis, etc. and are now trying to decide between Korcula and Hvar. If you have advice for our spectacular trip, we'd appreciate it.
Posted by
Utah
446 posts
went to hvar & vis sep 09. hvar: nice waterfront area and a hike to the fortress on the hill. enjoyed it. didnt explore any further as scooter rental prices were horrific. we had a nice dinner and "watched the sea lap at the shore" and the locals of all ages out strolling. vis: toured the vineyard areas of the island by scooter. it was scenic. enjoyed delicious "beefsteak of love" at restaurant illy on the waterfront and "watched the sea lap at the shore" :D (we were traveling by sailboat) IMO one nite per island is enough. wanted to see korcula but no time.
you will love croatia.
Posted by
Seattle
80 posts
I've been to both (Hvar in Oct 06, Korcula May 09).
Hvar: Beautiful town on the waterfront with a very nice promenade. Extensive choice in accomodation (though many private rooms are UP hill) and many restaurant choices. A handful of bars are open into the evening.
Korcula: MUCH quieter. Very small town, good, central accomodation options. Fewer ferry connections. Only a handful of restaurant choices - many of them were pretty similar. Bars? Nightlife? Not really.
If you're looking for somewhere to really escape, pick Korcula. If you just want to "sorta" escape but still have a moderately lively place to have a drink at 10PM, pick Hvar.
Posted by
Toronto, Canada
25 posts
Hvar town has a beautiful harbour and views from a castle at the top. Korcula's old town is better for walks through the "fishboned" streets and around around the waterfront circumference. Both are very small.
Plan your transportation as both are somewhat isolated. Another more flexible option is to go to Trogir - a short boat ride or bus just north of Split - won't diappoint for ambience and charm.
Posted by
Langley, B.C., Canada
59 posts
Just returned from Croatia and Slovenia. We were planning on visiting both Korcula & Hvar but only made Hvar. We were there during shoulder season so the schedule for ferries from Dubrovnik to Korcula was not great. So, we took the bus from Dubrovnik to Split and then the one of two hydrofoil ferries (which both run daily) to Hvar Town for a 3 day visit. We liked it so much, we stayed an extra day before returning to Split. Word of advice, and one which Rick refers to, - "check the ferry schedule on and off the Adriatic islands before making any firm plans".
We can not compare the two islands but can say "Hvar Town was great". And we had a spectacular apartment on the hillside above the harbour - yes, it was 100 stairs from the seaside promenade to the apartment. But every step was worth the view, the quality of furnishings, etc in the apartment and the helpfulness/friendliness of the owners. We were even included in a celebration for the arrival home from hospital of their first grandchild - a very happy and proud event for the family. Apartment can be found at http://www.tzhvar.hr/en/accommodation/private/?objectId=3371.